Wireless power system with a self-regulating wireless power receiver

ABSTRACT

A method and system for self-regulating wireless power transmitted to a wireless power receiver (WPR) is provided. An auto-tuning network is operably coupled within the WPR. The auto-tuning network comprises an impedance network that dynamically increases, decreases, or maintains amount of the received wirelessly transmitted power by detecting changes in a rectifier load disposed in the WPR and/or in an output voltage of the rectifier in the WPR. The auto-tuning network self-regulates the wireless power received from a wireless power transmitter (WPT) obviating the need for conventional communication messages. The WPT is hence free from a modulator/demodulator block and an out-of-band communication block and can operate over a limited operating range to enable simpler design for passing EMC regulation. Additionally, the WPR implements a receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm for enabling the WPT to detect unsupported receivers, configure its operating point and range, and terminate power transmission when not needed by WPR.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/094,750 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 2, 2013 which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/732,412 filed on Dec. 3, 2012.

BACKGROUND

In wireless power systems, a receiver and a transmitter communicate with one another using a communication protocol. In a conventional communication protocol, the receiver requests the transmitter to increase, decrease, maintain, stop, etc., the power provided to the receiver. The communication protocol can be “in band” via for example, a load modulation technique, or be “out of band” such as via Bluetooth® of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., Wi-Fi® of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, etc.

Conventional communication protocol based power transfer control involves the transmitter changing its frequency across a few hundred kilo hertz (kHz). However, for some applications, it is not desirable to have a wide range of frequency of operation for wireless power transfer. Also, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 15 Subpart C compliance testing becomes difficult because of varying frequency and the corresponding harmonics.

The conventional communication protocol between the receiver and the transmitter is also used to send, for example, distress signals, over voltage conditions, etc. The receiver takes considerable amount of time to send the message and the transmitter takes considerable amount of time to decipher the message and react to the sent message, therefore latency is inherent and there is a time delay. Also, the transmitter may decipher the message incorrectly, the message may be corrupted, etc., which could considerably delay the receiver in exiting from an over voltage condition. The receiver includes additional over voltage protection (OVP) circuitry that protects the receiver from excessive power during the time delay. The additional protection circuitry is rated to handle a certain amount of power, but if the power exceeds the rated power in the protection circuitry, the receiver may be susceptible to damages. Also while operating, the protection circuitry causes a rise in temperature of the receiver which is detrimental to neighboring components, for example, a battery, etc.

Metal object detection is a key safety issue in wireless power delivery. Metal objects, for example, coins, pin-clips, etc., may couple and absorb some of the magnetic flux emanating from a transmitter when placed atop or in close proximity to the transmitter. Because of the eddy currents induced, the metal objects are heated. The heated metal objects cause damage to the plastic surface of the transmitter or burn skin on contact.

Therefore, there is a long felt but unresolved need for a method and system that regulates the amount of wireless power delivered to a wireless power receiver without causing any damages to the receiver and the neighboring components of the receiver. Furthermore, there is a need for a method and a system that enable a transmitter to detect a metal object placed atop or in close proximity to the transmitter and terminate transmission of power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and system for self-regulating a wireless power receiver is provided. The method and system regulates amount of wireless power delivered to the wireless power receiver. The wireless power receiver is configured to receive wirelessly transmitted power. An auto-tuning network is operably coupled within the wireless power receiver. The auto-tuning network is configured to control and regulate the received wirelessly transmitted power. The auto-tuning network comprises an impedance network dynamically configured to increase, decrease, or maintain amount of the received wirelessly transmitted power. The impedance network comprises one or more of passive electronic components, active electronic components, and electronic switches. The auto-tuning network is configured to detect changes in one or more of a load of a rectifier operably disposed in the self-regulating wireless power receiver, and in an output voltage of the rectifier, and to counteract the detected changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range.

The wireless power receiver, via the auto-tuning network, self-regulates to draw the required amount of power from a wireless power transmitter. In a sudden over voltage condition, for example, on account of a load transient, the auto-tuning network detects the over voltage and performs quick remedial action. The auto-tuning network provides effective and faster over voltage protection (OVP) than possible with a scheme that relies on communicating with the wireless power transmitter. The need for a conventional communication protocol from the wireless power receiver to the wireless power transmitter is obviated since the functions that require the communication protocol to exist are handled by the auto-tuning network with significantly faster response times.

The method and system disclosed herein also simplifies the wireless power transmitter design. The wireless power transmitter does not need a conventional modulator/demodulator block and an out-of-band communication block typically contained in the wireless power transmitter for processing messages from and communicating messages to the wireless power receiver. The wireless power receiver, via the auto-tuning network, receives the required amount of wirelessly transmitted power from the wireless power transmitter without communicating messages to the wireless power transmitter. As a result, a few of the wireless protocol communication function blocks, such as the modulator/demodulator block and the out-of-band communication block that are typically contained in the wireless power transmitter can be eliminated. The modulator/demodulator block and the out-of-band communication block are built with many passive components, active components, switches and firmware resources. Therefore, elimination of the modulator/demodulator block and the out-of-band communication block simplifies and substantially reduces the cost of the wireless power transmitter design. Also, the wireless power transmitter can operate at a fixed operating point, for example, a frequency, a duty cycle etc., or within a narrow range and/or a set of operating points. Such an implementation, will allow the wireless power transmitter to pass electromagnetic compliance (EMC) regulation easily.

In an embodiment, to avoid a heated metal object safety issue caused by eddy currents induced when metal objects are placed atop or in close proximity to the transmitter, the method and the system disclosed herein implements a receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm that enables the wireless power transmitter to detect metal objects and unsupported receivers and terminate transmission of power. The wireless power transmitter is aware of the maximum power needs of the wireless power receiver via the receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm. The wireless power transmitter configures its circuitry, input voltage, operating point, etc., to deliver no more than the required level of maximum power to the wireless power receiver. Via the receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm, the wireless power transmitter also terminates transmission of wireless power when the wireless power receiver does not need any further power or if the wireless power receiver is removed, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of wireless power delivery.

By incorporating the self-regulating wireless power receiver, the receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm and the simplified, limited operating point wireless power transmitter, the method and system disclosed herein allows building of a wireless power system that provides wireless power to an electronic device without the need for a conventional communication protocol between the wireless power transmitter and the wireless power receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power system comprising a wireless power transmitter and a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates the first embodiment of the auto-tuning network in a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates the second embodiment of the auto-tuning network in a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates the third embodiment of the auto-tuning network in a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

FIG. 1D exemplarily illustrates the fourth embodiment of the auto-tuning network in a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power transmitter free from a modulator/demodulator block and an out-of-band communication block.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart comprising the steps for establishing a stable and optimal power transfer from the wireless power transmitter to the wireless power receiver.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power system comprising a wireless power transmitter and a self-regulating wireless power receiver that includes a reconfigurable rectifier.

FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates the first embodiment of the reconfigurable rectifier in a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

FIG. 5B exemplarily illustrates the second embodiment of the reconfigurable rectifier in a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

FIG. 5C exemplarily illustrates the third embodiment of the reconfigurable rectifier in a self-regulating wireless power receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power system 100 comprising a wireless power transmitter 100 a and a self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b. The wireless power receiver 100 b of the wireless power system 100 employs an auto-tuning scheme to control the amount of power that the wireless power receiver 100 b receives. A switch network 101 is configured to receive an input power and an input voltage. An impedance network 102 is connected between the switch network 101 and a transmitter coil 103. The input power wirelessly transmitted to the wireless power receiver 100 b is magnetic field based using inductive coupling. The transmitter coil 103 is used for inducing a magnetic field to a coupling region for providing energy transfer to the wireless power receiver 100 b. The wireless power transmitter 100 a transmits input power to the wireless power receiver 100 b by emanating the magnetic field using the transmitter coil 103. The wireless power receiver 100 b comprises a receiver coil 104 that picks up the magnetic field with a certain coupling coefficient that exists between the transmitter coil 103 and the receiver coil 104, an auto-tuning network 105 that regulates power received by the wireless power receiver 100 b, and a rectifier 106 that rectifies the alternating current (AC) to obtain direct current (DC). A capacitor 107 in the wireless power receiver 100 b filters stray AC components. A pure DC output is received across a rectifier load 108.

The auto-tuning network 105 controls and regulates the wireless input power received by the wireless power receiver 100 b. The auto-tuning network 105 in the wireless power receiver 100 b controls power transfer, protects against over voltage, and provides improved load transient response. The auto-tuning network 105 comprises an impedance network that is dynamically tuned to increase, decrease, or maintain the amount of wireless input power received by the wireless power receiver 100 b. The impedance network comprises a combination of passive components such as inductors, capacitors, resistors, etc., active components such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), bipolars, operational amplifiers, Analog to Digital Converter (ADC), Micro-controllers (MCU) etc., and switches.

The auto-tuning network 105 regulates the output voltage “Vrect” of the rectifier 106 across the rectifier load 108 that can swing instantaneously and exceed recommended limits when the load across the rectifier 106 changes. By performing this action, the auto-tuning network 105 protects the wireless power receiver 100 b from an unsafe condition. The auto-tuning network 105 senses the changes in the rectifier load 108 and/or the output voltage Vrect of the rectifier 106 and quickly counteracts the changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range. For example, the auto-tuning network 105 rapidly tunes to increase the wireless input power at the wireless power receiver 100 b when the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range. In another example, the auto-tuning network 105 rapidly tunes to decrease the wireless input power at the wireless power receiver 100 b when the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect increases above the safe operating range. The output voltage Vrect of the rectifier 106 is therefore maintained within a safe range without the need for a more elaborate over voltage protection (OVP) scheme. Changes in the auto-tuning network 105 affect the reflected impedance seen by the wireless power transmitter 100 a. This alters the wireless power transmitted by the wireless power transmitter 100 a to the wireless power receiver 100 b.

FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates the first embodiment of the auto-tuning network 105 of the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b. In this embodiment, the auto-tuning network 105 includes a Vrect Sensing Block 109, a Power Tuning Block 110, a series resonant capacitor Cs and a parallel switch-capacitor network consisting of “n” parallel capacitors C1, C2, . . . Cn and “n” switches S1, S2, . . . Sn. In this embodiment, the parallel switch-capacitor network is connected across the 2 alternating current (AC) IOs of the rectifier 106. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 measures the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect constantly or periodically. The Power Tuning Block 110 compares the measured voltage Vrect with its configured threshold levels. Based on the comparison, the Power Tuning Block 110 activates switches S1, S2, . . . Sn. The switches may be turned on or turned off or may be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency and duty cycle. When a switch S1, S2, . . . Sn is turned on, the associated capacitor C1, C2, . . . Cn on the same leg is activated and impacts the reflected impedance of the wireless power receiver and hence the amount of wireless power received. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 senses the changes in the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect and the Power Tuning Block 110 quickly counteracts the changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range. For example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 turns on switches S1 and S2 to increase the amount of wireless power received. The Power Tuning Block 110 progressively turns on more switches until wireless power received restores the output voltage Vrect of the rectifier to the safe operating range. In another example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect increases above the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 progressively decreases the on-time duty cycle of switches S1, S2, . . . Sn, to decreases the level of wireless power received until Vrect is restored to the safe operating range. As an additional embodiment, the resonant series capacitor Cs may not be present and the coil 104 is connected directly to the parallel switch-capacitor network.

FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates the second embodiment of the auto-tuning network 105 of the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b. In this embodiment, the auto-tuning network 105 includes a Vrect Sensing Block 109, a Power Tuning Block 110, a series resonant capacitor Cs, a parallel resonant capacitor Cd and a parallel switch-capacitor network consisting of “n” parallel capacitors C1, C2, . . . Cn and “n” switches S1, S2, . . . Sn. In this embodiment, the parallel switch-capacitor network is connected asymmetrically between one of the alternating current (AC) IOs of the rectifier 106 and ground. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 measures the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect constantly or periodically. The Power Tuning Block 110 compares the measured voltage Vrect with its configured threshold levels. Based on the comparison, the Power Tuning Block 110 activates switches S1, S2, . . . Sn. The switches may be turned on or turned off or may be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency and duty cycle. When a switch S1, S2, . . . Sn is turned on, the associated capacitor C1, C2, . . . Cn on the same leg is activated and impacts the reflected impedance of the wireless power receiver and hence the amount of wireless power received. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 senses the changes in the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect and the Power Tuning Block 110 quickly counteracts the changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range. For example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 turns on switches S1 and S2 to increase the amount of wireless power received. The Power Tuning Block 110 progressively turns on more switches until wireless power received restores the output voltage Vrect of the rectifier to the safe operating range. In another example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect increases above the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 progressively decreases the on-time duty cycle of switches S1, S2, . . . Sn, to decreases the level of wireless power received until Vrect is restored to the safe operating range. As an additional embodiment, the resonant series capacitor Cs may not be present and the coil 104 is connected directly across Cd.

FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates the third embodiment of the auto-tuning network 105 of the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b. In this embodiment, the auto-tuning network 105 includes a Vrect Sensing Block 109, a Power Tuning Block 110, a series resonant capacitor Cs, a parallel resonant capacitor Cd, a first parallel switch-capacitor network consisting of “n” parallel capacitors C1, C2, . . . Cn and “n” switches S1, S2, . . . Sn and a second parallel switch-capacitor network consisting of “n” parallel capacitors D1, D2, . . . Dn and “n” switches E1, E2, . . . En. In this embodiment, the two parallel switch-capacitor networks in combination together are connected symmetrically between both the alternating current (AC) IOs of the rectifier 106 and ground. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 measures the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect constantly or periodically. The Power Tuning Block 110 compares the measured voltage Vrect with its configured threshold levels. Based on the comparison, the Power Tuning Block 110 activates switches S1, S2, . . . Sn and switches E1, E2, . . . En. The switches may be turned on or turned off or may be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency and duty cycle. When a switch, for example, S1, is turned on, the associated capacitor, for example C Lon the same leg is activated and impacts the reflected impedance of the wireless power receiver and hence the amount of wireless power received. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 senses the changes in the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect and the Power Tuning Block 110 quickly counteracts the changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range. For example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 turns on switches S1 and E1 to increase the amount of wireless power received. The Power Tuning Block 110 progressively turns on more switches symmetrically until wireless power received restores the output voltage Vrect of the rectifier to the safe operating range. In another example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect increases above the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 progressively decreases the on-time duty cycle of switches S1, E1 to decreases the level of wireless power received until Vrect is restored to the safe operating range. As an additional embodiment, the resonant series capacitor Cs may not be present and the coil 104 is connected directly across Cd.

FIG. 1D exemplarily illustrates the fourth embodiment of the auto-tuning network 105 of the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b. In this embodiment, the auto-tuning network 105 includes a Vrect Sensing Block 109, a Power Tuning Block 110, a paralled resonant capacitor Cd and a parallel switch-capacitor network consisting of “n” parallel capacitors C1, C2, . . . Cn and “n” switches S1, S2, . . . Sn. In this embodiment, the parallel switch-capacitor network is connected between the coil 104 and one of the alternating current (AC) IOs of the rectifier 106. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 measures the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect constantly or periodically. The Power Tuning Block 110 compares the measured voltage Vrect with its configured threshold levels. Based on the comparison, the Power Tuning Block 110 activates switches S1, S2, . . . Sn. The switches may be turned on or turned off or may be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency and duty cycle. When a switch S1, S2, . . . Sn is turned on, the associated capacitor C1, C2, . . . Cn on the same leg is activated and impacts the reflected impedance of the wireless power receiver and hence the amount of wireless power received. The Vrect Sensing Block 109 senses the changes in the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect and the Power Tuning Block 110 quickly counteracts the changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range. For example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 turns on switches S1 and S2 to increase the amount of wireless power received. The Power Tuning Block 110 progressively turns on more switches until wireless power received restores the output voltage Vrect of the rectifier to the safe operating range. In another example, if the rectifier 106 output voltage Vrect increases above the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 110 progressively decreases the on-time duty cycle of switches S1, S2, . . . Sn, to decreases the level of wireless power received until Vrect is restored to the safe operating range. As an additional embodiment, the resonant parallel capacitor Cd may not be present in certain applications.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power transmitter 100 a without a modulator/demodulator block and an out-of-band communication block. The wireless power transmitter 100 a disclosed herein comprises a switch network 101 configured to receive an input voltage and an input current from a voltage source. The wireless power transmitter 100 a further comprises an impedance network 102 represented as a Zmatch block connected between the switch network 101 and a transmitter coil 103. The impedance network 102 comprises one or more of passive electronic components, for example, a resistor, a capacitor, a magnetic device, a transducer, etc., active electronic components, for example, a diode, a transistor such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a bipolar transistor, operational amplifiers, an optoelectronic device, etc.; and electronic switches. The wireless power transmitter 100 a further comprises an analog to digital converter (ADC) 202, where the ADC 202 is operably coupled to a control logic circuit 201 of the wireless power transmitter 100 a. The ADC 202 measures various parameters such as the input voltage Vin, the input current Iin, the transmitter coil 103 voltage VCoil, the transmitter coil 103 temperature, the transmitter coil 103 current ICoil, etc., and feeds such information in realtime to the control logic circuit 201. The control logic circuit 201 processes all the collected realtime information via its control circuits, state machines, algorithms, firmware, etc., and in turn outputs a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the switch network 101.

The wireless power transmitter 100 a scans and detects the presence of a wireless power receiver 100 b, exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, in its vicinity. On detecting the presence of the wireless power receiver 100 b, the wireless power transmitter 100 a configures the switch network 101 and tunes the impedance network 102 to create sufficient field linkage, for example, a magnetic flux field linkage to transmit power wirelessly to the wireless power receiver 100 b. In the wireless power system 100 disclosed herein, the wireless power transmitter 100 a does not contain a conventional modulator/demodulator block which is typically needed for processing in-band messages from and communicating in-band messages to the wireless power receiver 100 b in a wireless power protocol of the wireless power receiver 100 b. The wireless power transmitter 100 a disclosed herein also does not contain a conventional out-of-band communication block which is also typically used for processing out-of-band messages from and communicating out-of-band messages to the wireless power receiver 100 b in a wireless power protocol of the wireless power receiver 100 b.

The wireless power receiver 100 b, using the auto-tuning network 105 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 1A-1D is configured to safely receive the wirelessly transmitted power from the wireless power transmitter 100 a via the self regulatory auto-tuning network 105. The wireless power receiver 100 b, via the auto-tuning network 105, receives the required amount of wirelessly transmitted power from the wireless power transmitter 100 a without communicating conventional messages such as increase power, decrease power, maintain power, stop power, etc., to the wireless power transmitter 100 a. The need for such conventional communication messages from the wireless power receiver 100 b to the wireless power transmitter 100 a is obviated since the end result targeted by those communication messages is achieved by the auto-tuning network 105 with substantially faster response times. The elimination of such conventional communication messages enables simplification of the design of the wireless power transmitter 100 a and the wireless power receiver 100 b by elimination of circuitry (modulator/demodulator block and an out-of-band communication block) and firmware to processes, error-correct, decipher and respond to those messages. Because of such a simplification, the wireless power system 100 can be built at lower cost and smaller size and can operate at higher efficiency. Also, because of the auto-tuning network 105 operably coupled within the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b, the wireless power transmitter 100 a can operate at a fixed operating point, for example, at a fixed frequency and duty cycle or within a narrow range and/or set of operating points which enables the wireless power transmitter 100 a to implement and pass electromagnetic compliance (EMC) regulation more easily.

When metal objects are placed atop or in close proximity of the wireless power transmitter 100 a, eddy currents are induced in the metal object as a result of the magnetic field emanating from the wireless power transmitter 100 a. When the metal object has low resistivity, these eddy currents cause the metal object to heat up leading to a safety issue. The wireless power transmitter 100 a has various algorithms for detecting metal objects and turning off power to eliminate this heated metal object safety issue. In addition, the wireless power transmitter 100 a turns on substantial power delivery only when it senses a good wireless power receiver 100 b. This enables low standby power consumption at the wireless power transmitter 100 a when there is not any good wireless power receiver 100 b in the wireless power transmitter's vicinity. Additionally, the wireless power transmitter 100 a ensures that a careful level of power is delivered to the wireless power receiver 100 b without compromising required performance and without overwhelming and damaging the wireless power receiver 100 b with too much power. In an embodiment, so as to avoid hot metal objects, to have low standby power and to have safe power delivery to the wireless power receiver, the method and the system 100 disclosed herein implements a receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm. This algorithm enables the wireless power transmitter 100 a to detect metal objects and terminate transmission of power. This algorithm enables the wireless power transmitter 100 a to detect the presence of a good wireless power receiver 100 b and then start providing substantial power. Via this algorithm, the wireless power transmitter 100 a is also aware of the maximum power needs of the wireless power receiver 100 b. The wireless power transmitter 100 a then configures its operating point to deliver the required level of maximum power. Via the receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm, the wireless power transmitter 100 a can also terminate transmission of wireless power when the wireless power receiver 100 b does not need any further power, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of wireless power delivery.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a flow chart comprising the steps for establishing a stable and optimal power transfer from the wireless power transmitter 100 a to the wireless power receiver 100 b via the receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm. On reset, the process begins with the wireless power transmitter 100 a transmitting 301 a short burst of wireless power to detect 302 the presence of a wireless power receiver 100 b in its vicinity. If a wireless power receiver 100 b is not detected, the wireless power transmitter 100 a shuts down 303 into a deep sleep after programming a timer to restore the wireless power transmitter 100 a back to its normal operating mode after “T1” seconds. If a wireless power receiver 100 b is detected, the wireless power transmitter 100 a transmits 304 a minimum amount of power to the wireless power receiver 100 b for a fixed time interval.

On receiving initial power from the wireless power transmitter 100 a, the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b initiates implementation of the receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm. The receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm defines instructions for varying, that is, increasing and decreasing the input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b by a specified amount for predetermined intervals of time. For example, as per the receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm, the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b may increase its input impedance by about 10% for 5 milliseconds and then reduce its input impedance by about 10% for 5 milliseconds and may repeat this pattern about 10 times for a total time period of 100 milliseconds. The input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b is the impedance of the wireless power receiver when looking into the wireless power receiver from the receiving coil 104. The input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b is varied by varying its real and/or reactive parts. The reactive part of the input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b is varied via changes in the auto-tuning network 105 of the wireless power receiver 100 b as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D and described previously. The real part of the input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b is varied by adding and removing resistive loads in parallel with the actual load 108. As a result of the changes in the input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b, the reflected impedance as seen by the wireless power transmitter 100 a is consequently increased or decreased. The receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm controls the pattern of input impedance change and via these impedance changes, the wireless power receiver 100 b conveys its maximum-power-signature to the wireless power transmitter 100 a.

On detecting a wireless power receiver 100 b, the wireless power transmitter 100 a provides initial power to the wireless power receiver 100 b for a fixed amount of time, for example, 100 milliseconds. While providing initial power, the wireless power transmitter 100 a tracks parameters such as transmitter coil voltage VCoil, transmitter coil current ICoil, etc., to observe changes in the reflected impedance caused as a result of changes in the input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b. The reflected impedance changes may also be observed by tracking the voltage and/or current flowing in the switch network 101 or other parts of the wireless power transmitter 100 a. Via tracking parameters that are dependent on the reflected impedance, the wireless power transmitter 100 a can determine 305 whether the wireless power receiver 100 b is a metal object. When the reflected impedance changes follows one of the predefined receiver-maximum-power-signatures for a pre-determined fraction of the initial power time period, for example, say 50% of the initial power time period which would be 50 milliseconds, the wireless power transmitter 100 a recognizes that the wireless power transmitter 100 a is transmitting power to a safe non-metal object wireless power receiver 100 b and hence, continues to provide 307 power.

While providing power, the wireless power transmitter 100 a receives the complete receiver-maximum-power-signature from the wireless power receiver 100 b. The wireless power transmitter 100 a decodes and determines the maximum power level of the receiver from that signature. Based on the determined maximum power level, the wireless power transmitter 100 a selects and set its operating point and operating range by configuring its switch network 101, the impedance network 102, and the transmitter coil 103 to be able to deliver that maximum amount of power. For example, if the received maximum-power-signature is “10101010101010101010”, the wireless power transmitter 100 a determines the maximum power level to be 10 Watts and configures its operating frequency to (say) 130 khz and its duty cycle to not exceed 40% so as to deliver a maximum of 10 W to the wireless power receiver. Additionally, based on the strength of the reflected impedance changes, the wireless power transmitter 100 a senses the level of magnetic field flux linkage coupling between the wireless power transmitter 100 a and the wireless power receiver 100 b. The wireless power transmitter 100 a considers the sensed level of coupling when selecting and setting its operating point and range. For example, when the level of coupling is strong, to deliver a maximum power of 10 Watts, the wireless power transmitter 100 a may configure itself to operate at a fixed frequency of 130 khz and a duty cycle not to exceed 40%. When the level of coupling is weak, to deliver a maximum power of 10 Watts, the wireless power transmitter 100 a may configure itself to operate at a fixed frequency of 128 khz and allow a duty cycle of up to 50%.

When the reflected impedance changes does not follow any of the predefined receiver-maximum-power-signatures for the predetermined fraction of the initial power time period, the wireless power transmitter 100 a recognizes the presence of an unsupported object, potentially, an unsafe, metal object and hence, terminates further power transmission. That is, if the wireless power receiver 100 b is a metal object or some unknown object, the wireless power transmitter 100 a shuts down 306 into a deep sleep after programming a timer to restore the wireless power transmitter 100 a back to its normal operating mode after “T2” seconds.

The input impedance of a metal object does not vary in sync with the pre-defined receiver-maximum-power-signature patterns, thereby virtually guaranteeing that the wireless power transmitter 100 a will not falsely recognize a metal object as a good wireless power receiver 100 b. As per the receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm, the wireless power receiver 100 b modulates its input impedance as per its maximum power signature periodically, for example, every 0.5 seconds. For the purpose of the receiver-maximum-power-signature algorithm, the wireless power receiver 100 b carefully adopts only those input impedance changes which preserve the rectifier output voltage Vrect in the safe operating range.

The wireless power transmitter 100 a checks 308 whether the wireless power receiver 100 b is sending the maximum power signature periodically. The wireless power transmitter 100 a continues to provide power as long as the wireless power transmitter 100 a receives the maximum power signature periodically, for example, at least one signature every 2 seconds. If the maximum power signature is received, the wireless power transmitter 100 a continues to provide 307 power and re-configures its operating point and range if required. If the maximum power signature is not received as per its periodic rate, the wireless power transmitter 100 a assumes that the wireless power receiver 100 b has been removed or does not require further power. Hence, the wireless power transmitter 100 a terminates transmitting power and shuts down 309 into a deep sleep after programming a timer to restore the wireless power transmitter 100 a back to its normal operating mode after “T3” seconds.

While providing initial power, the wireless power transmitter 100 a tracks parameters such as transmitter coil voltage VCoil, transmitter coil current ICoil, etc., to observe changes in the reflected impedance caused as a result of changes in the input impedance of the wireless power receiver 100 b. In an embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 100 a employs a simple peak detector mechanism to extract the envelope of the voltage and/or current that is in the coil or switch network or other parts of the wireless power transmitter 100 a. Embedded in the envelope of the voltage and/or current is the receiver-maximum-power-signature. Via its analog to digital converter (ADC) 202 exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2, the wireless power transmitter 100 a is aware of the extracted envelope of the voltage and/or current and hence, the receiver's maximum power signature. Via its ADC 202, the wireless power transmitter 100 a is also aware of the strength of the reflected impedance changes. The wireless power transmitter 100 a uses this information to estimate the level of coupling between the wireless power transmitter 100 a and the wireless power receiver 100 b. In a second embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 100 a employs a simple zero crossing detector mechanism to extract the phase difference between the voltage and current that is in the coil or switch network or other parts of the wireless power transmitter 100 a. Embedded in the phase difference between the voltage and current is the receiver-maximum-power-signature. The wireless power transmitter 100 a observes the variations in the phase difference to extract the receiver-maximum-power-signature. The wireless power transmitter 100 a also observes the magnitude of these phase difference variations. The wireless power transmitter 100 a uses this magnitude information to estimate the level of coupling between the wireless power transmitter 100 a and the wireless power receiver 100 b.

By incorporating the self-regulating wireless power receiver 100 b, the receiver-maximum power-signature algorithm and the simplified, limited operating point wireless power transmitter 100 a, the method and system 100 disclosed herein allows building of a wireless power system that provides stable, safe and efficient wireless power to an electronic device without the need for a conventional communication protocol messages between the wireless power transmitter 100 a and the wireless power receiver 100 b.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power system 400 comprising a wireless power transmitter 400 a and a self-regulating wireless power receiver 400 b. The wireless power receiver 400 b of the wireless power system 400 employs a dynamically reconfigurable scheme to control the amount of power that the wireless power receiver 400 b delivers to its load 408. The wireless power transmitter 400 a of the wireless power system 400 includes a switch network 401 that is configured to receive an input power at an input voltage ‘Vin’. An impedance network 402 is connected between the switch network 401 and a transmitter coil 403. The transmitter coil 403 of wireless power transmitter 400 a is used for creating a magnetic field to a coupling region for providing energy transfer to the wireless power receiver 400 b. The wireless power transmitter 400 a transmits power from its input to the wireless power receiver 400 b by emanating a magnetic field from the transmitter coil 403. Power is wirelessly received by the wireless power receiver 400 b via one of a magnetic field, an electric field, an electromagnetic field or a combination thereof FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates wireless power transfer via a magnetic field using inductive coupling. The receiver coil 404 of the wireless power receiver 400 b intersects and converts this magnetic field into alternating current (AC) power. In inductive coupling, the amount of AC power picked up is influenced by the coupling coefficient ‘k’ that exists between the transmitter coil 403 and the receiver coil 404. In addition, the AC power picked up is influenced by the impedance network 405, the rectifier 406 and the load 408 of the wireless power receiver 400 b. The AC power flows from the receiver coil 404 to the rectifier 406 via the impedance network 405. In the invention disclosed herein, the rectifier 406 of the wireless power receiver 400 b is a dynamically reconfigurable rectifier. Besides rectifying the alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power, the rectifier 406 also reconfigures its mode of operation dynamically to regulate the amount of power delivered to its load 408. A capacitor 407 in the wireless power receiver 400 b filters stray AC components and a steady DC power is delivered to the load 408. In an embodiment, additional power regulation circuitry such as Low Voltage Dropout (LDO) regulator, buck circuitry, buck-boost circuitry, Zener diode, etc., may be included to further reduce the voltage ripple and/or transients on the power delivered to the load 408.

The reconfigurable rectifier 406 controls and regulates the power delivered by the wireless power receiver 400 b to its load 408. The reconfigurable rectifier 406 in the wireless power receiver 400 b controls power transfer, protects against over voltage, and provides improved load transient response. The reconfigurable rectifier 406 comprises an intelligent switch network that is dynamically reconfigured to increase, decrease, or maintain the amount of wireless input power received and/or delivered to the load 408 by the wireless power receiver 400 b. The intelligent switch network comprises a combination of passive components such as capacitors, diodes, schottky diodes, etc., and active components such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), bipolars, operational amplifiers, comparators, Analog to Digital Converter (ADC), Micro-controllers (MCU) etc., and switches.

The reconfigurable rectifier 406 regulates the voltage “Vrect” across the load 408. Vrect can swing instantaneously and exceed recommended limits under varied circumstances such as when the load 408 changes or when the amount of flux density/wireless power provided by the wireless power transmitter 400 a changes or when the coupling coefficient ‘k’ changes, etc. By detecting and rapidly reconfiguring itself, the reconfigurable rectifier 406 protects the wireless power receiver 400 b from an unsafe condition. The intelligent reconfigurable rectifier 406 senses the changes in the load 408 and/or the voltage Vrect and quickly counteracts the changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range. For example, the rectifier 406 rapidly switches from a Half-Bridge (HB) rectification topology to a Full-Bridge (FB) rectification topology to increase the power delivered to the load 408 when Vrect drops below the safe operating range at the wireless power receiver 400 b. In another example, the rectifier 406 rapidly switches from a Full-Bridge (FB) rectification topology to a bypass topology to decrease the power delivered to the load 408 when Vrect increases above the safe operating range at the wireless power receiver 400 b. The voltage Vrect is therefore maintained within a safe range without the need for a more elaborate over voltage protection (OVP) scheme. Changes in the rectifier 406 configuration may affect the reflected impedance seen by the wireless power transmitter 400 a. This may additionally alter the wireless power transmitted by the wireless power transmitter 400 a to the wireless power receiver 400 b and hence further counteract the transient.

FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates the first embodiment of the intelligent reconfigurable rectifier 406 of the self-regulating wireless power receiver 400 b. In this embodiment, the rectifier 406 includes a Vrect Sensing Block 409, a Power Tuning Block 410 and switches S1, S2, S3 and S4. The Vrect Sensing Block 409 measures the voltage Vrect constantly or periodically. The Power Tuning Block 410 compares the measured voltage Vrect with its configured threshold levels. Based on the comparison, the Power Tuning Block 410 activates switches S1, S2, S3 and S4. The switches may be turned on or turned off or may be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency and duty cycle. The switches are also activated in certain combinations to achieve the desired power delivery and control of Vrect. For example, to bypass the power delivery entirely to the load, the Power Tuning Block 410 turns on switches S2 and S4 together. In such a case, the rectifier 406 returns all the received AC power back to the receiver coil 403 and no power is delivered to the load 408. Alternately, the Power Tuning Block 410 may activate and deactivate S2 and S4 simultaneously at a certain frequency and duty cycle to maintain Vrect and power delivery to load 408 at a desired level. The Power Tuning Block 410 may configure the switches into Half-Bridge (HB) or Full-Bridge (FB) mode of operation and may select between these different modes dynamically to counteract unsafe changes on Vrect. For example, if voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 410 configures the switches S1, S2, S3 and S4 in HB mode to increase the amount of power delivered to the load 408. The Power Tuning Block 410 may progressively reconfigure the switches into FB mode to further increase the power until Vrect is restored into the safe operating range. In another example, when Vrect increases rapidly above the recommended high threshold, the Power Tuning Block 410 may switch from a 100% FB configuration to a combination of FB and bypass rectifier configuration at a 50% duty cycle each.

FIG. 5B exemplarily illustrates the second embodiment of the intelligent reconfigurable rectifier 406 of the self-regulating wireless power receiver 400 b. In this embodiment, the rectifier 406 includes a Vrect Sensing Block 409, a Power Tuning Block 410, diodes D1 and D2, capacitors C1 and C2 and switch S1. The Vrect Sensing Block 409 measures the voltage Vrect constantly or periodically. The Power Tuning Block 410 compares the measured voltage Vrect with its configured threshold levels. Based on the comparison, the Power Tuning Block 410 activates switch S1. The switch S1 may be turned on or turned off or may be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency and duty cycle to achieve the desired power delivery and control of Vrect. For example, to reduce the power delivery to the load, the Power Tuning Block 410 turns off switch S1. Alternately, to partially reduce power delivery to load 408 and reduce Vrect, the Power Tuning Block 410 may activate and deactivate S1 at a certain frequency and duty cycle. If more power is required by the load, the Power Tuning Block 410 may activate S1 at full 100% duty cycle. When switch S1 is activated, the power is rectified in Voltage-Doubler (VD) Mode while when switch S1 is deactivated, the power is rectified in Half-Bridge (HB) mode of operation and selection between these modes dynamically enables the rectifier 406 to counteract unsafe changes on Vrect. For example, if voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 410 activates switch S1 at a certain frequency and duty cycle to increase the amount of power delivered to the load 408. In another example, when Vrect increases rapidly above the recommended high threshold, the Power Tuning Block 410 may deactivate switch S1 entirely.

FIG. 5C exemplarily illustrates the third embodiment of the intelligent reconfigurable rectifier 406 of the self-regulating wireless power receiver 400 b. In this embodiment, the rectifier 406 includes a Vrect Sensing Block 409, a Power Tuning Block 410, diodes D1, D2 and D3, capacitors C1 and C2 and switches S1 and S2. The Vrect Sensing Block 409 measures the voltage Vrect constantly or periodically. The Power Tuning Block 410 compares the measured voltage Vrect with its configured threshold levels. Based on the comparison, the Power Tuning Block 410 activates switches S1 and S2. The switches S1 and S2 may be turned on or turned off or may be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency and duty cycle to achieve the desired power delivery and control of Vrect. For example, to reduce the power delivery to the load, the Power Tuning Block 410 turns off switches S1 and S2. Alternately, to partially reduce power delivery to load 408 and reduce Vrect, the Power Tuning Block 410 may activate and deactivate S1 and S2 at a certain frequency and duty cycle. If more power is required by the load, the Power Tuning Block 410 may activate S1 and S2 at full 100% duty cycle. When both switch S1 and S2 are activated, the power is rectified in Voltage-Tripler (VD) mode while when both switch S1 and S2 are deactivated, the AC power is rectified in Half-Bridge (HB) mode. Activating one of the 2 switches leads to intermediate modes of rectification and selection between these different modes dynamically and in varying ratios enables the rectifier 406 to counteract unsafe changes on Vrect. For example, if voltage Vrect drops below the safe operating range, the Power Tuning Block 410 activates switch S2 at a certain frequency and duty cycle to increase the amount of power delivered to the load 408. In another example, when Vrect increases rapidly above the recommended high threshold, the Power Tuning Block 410 may deactivate both switch S1 and S2 entirely.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless power system 400 comprising a wireless power transmitter 400 a and a self-regulating wireless power receiver 400 b. As can be noted from the explanations disclosed, this invention is equally applicable to scenarios where multiple wireless power receivers 400 b simultaneously receive power from the same wireless power transmitter 400 a. Each of the wireless power receivers 400 b are independently coupled to the wireless power transmitter 400 a with their own respective coupling coefficient ‘k’. Via the disclosed self-regulation circuitry, as in the auto-tuning network 105 or the intelligent reconfigurable rectifier 406 or a combination thereof, the wireless power receivers 400 b are able to regulate and control the power that they deliver to their respective loads 408. Their self-regulation circuitry senses the changes in the load 408 and/or the voltage Vrect and quickly counteracts the changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range. The self-regulation circuitry in each of the wireless power receiver 400 b controls power transfer, protects against over voltage, and provides improved load transient response.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention disclosed herein. While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. 

I claim:
 1. A wireless power system comprising: a wireless power transmitter configured to transmit wireless power; and one or more self-regulating wireless power receivers configured to receive wirelessly transmitted power, said one or more wireless power receivers each including: a dynamically reconfigurable rectifier operably coupled within said wireless power receiver, said rectifier comprised of an intelligent switch network via which said rectifier converts said received wirelessly transmitted power from alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power; wherein said rectifier in said wireless power receiver is configured to detect changes in one or both of a load of said rectifier and an output voltage of said rectifier, and to dynamically counteract said detected changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range, said rectifier counteracts said unsafe changes by dynamically reconfiguring its mode of operation via said switch network.
 2. The wireless power system of claim 1, wherein said reconfigurable rectifier in said wireless power receiver comprises one or more of passive electronic components, active electronic components and electronic switches.
 3. The wireless power system of claim 1, wherein power is delivered to said load from said reconfigurable rectifier via intermediate power regulation circuitry.
 4. A method for self regulating wireless power system, said method comprising: providing a wireless power transmitter; and providing one or more self-regulating wireless power receivers each including a dynamically reconfigurable rectifier; configuring said one or more self-regulating wireless power receivers to receive wirelessly transmitted power from said wireless power transmitter and deliver a steady DC power to their respective load; configuring said reconfigurable rectifier in said wireless power receiver to control and regulate said received wirelessly transmitter power and delivered power to its load by detecting changes in one or both of a load of said rectifier and an output voltage of said rectifier, and dynamically counteracting said detected changes if the changes exceed a safe operating range by dynamically reconfiguring the rectifier's mode of operation.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said reconfigurable rectifier in said wireless power receiver comprises one or more of passive electronic components, active electronic components and electronic switches. 